Upcoming training programs prepare residents for natural disasters

Having people prepared for when disaster strikes is what's going to help communities in their time of need on the local level and across the country.

BY DENEESHA EDWARDSThe Dispatch

Having people prepared for when disaster strikes is what's going to help communities in their time of need on the local level and across the country.Melanie McDonough, communications director with the American Red Cross Heart of Carolina Region, said that is the key for assisting with any natural disaster that may strike. The regional organization is in the midst of training individuals in order for them to be qualified to provide "Mass Care Response" that involves sheltering, providing meals and response training to house fires, for example.She said when something happens individuals initially want to go help. McDonough said it's important that people are trained properly to prevent harm to the person and others.With the training, individuals will learn the basics of Red Cross and be taught how to help their neighbors in their time of need both locally and across the country."One thing we're always certain of is there will be another disaster — winter storm or tornado for example," McDonough said. "Preparedness is 24/7. Before anyone deploys they're able to see or hear firsthand what's going. Preparedness is the key."There are 5,100 Red Cross volunteers serving in the Northeast after Hurricane Sandy. The assistance can range from preparing and serving meals, supporting shelters, distributing comfort kits and clean-up kits, as well as driving disaster vans, McDonough said. Another service is professionals in the mental health or health professional speaking with individuals. The volunteers travel with the Red Cross. The organization has mobilized more than 10,500 trained workers to help people affected by Sandy."Anytime there's a disaster we send out the call," she said. "We love to have people get involved with their local Red Cross chapter. We want to make sure all of the communities are prepared."Several upcoming training sessions in Greensboro, Wilkesboro and Winston-Salem will address basic level disaster courses — an overview on disaster services, disaster assessment fundamentals, providing emergency assistance and shelter fundamentals. The dates are Tuesday and Wednesday at 1501 Yanceyville St. in Greensboro, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at South Collegiate Drive — Continuing Education Building Room 559 in Wilkesboro and Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 at 690 Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem. The times are 8:30 to 5 p.m. For individuals interested in a supervisory role, two additional classes will be offered with the Northwest North Carolina Chapter in Winston-Salem on Dec. 7. The courses are free to volunteers.Training participants will also assess how to use their skills and abilities to strengthen the capacity of the community and the Red Cross to better serve people affected by the disaster. Current volunteers are encouraged to attend to refresh their training.McDonough said the agency will continue to need volunteers after Hurricane Sandy. She noted that on the local level volunteers will be needed all the time. She made reference to the tornado that touched down in Davidson County last year where several volunteers were needed in the aftermath."We're going to be there for the long run," she said. "We will still be there when everybody else has gone. We need not only the community coming together but other organizations, too. It's very much a partnership."Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.